Rose Namajunas shocked the mixed martial arts world last night in New York by scoring a first-round knockout victory over Joanna Jedrzejczyk to claim the UFC strawweight title at Madison Square Garden.
Following her jaw dropping victory, “Thug Rose” took to the podium at the UFC 217 post-fight press conference where she discussed her title-earning victory.
“Just gratitude. It has been a rough week. Up until the fight started it just seemed like everything was trying to distract me. Joanna getting in my face and whatever. But I just listened to my coaches. Trusted in them and trusted in myself and got the job done. There were a lot of distractions. Getting my flight was delayed. There was the sirens outside. Not being able to sleep very well. The wrong walkout song being played. It just felt like this is not my moment.”
Rose is hoping to set a good example in her new role as UFC champion and won’t be using trash talk or hate as a means of entertaining fight fans. She explained that decision at last night post-fight presser.
“There’s just been a lot of trash talking,” Namajunas stated. “People aren’t really being true to themselves or honest. Maybe that’s just what they feel they need to do to entertain, but I’m kind of sick of it. I’m sick of all the hate and anger. I feel like we have a duty as fighters to try and be a better example, you know. Martial arts is about honor and respect. It takes a lot of courage to get in that cage no matter who you are. I just want to try and set an example in that way.”
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